A STUDY ON FORWARD WALKING VERSUS BACKWARD WALKING ON BALANCE AND MOBILITY IN MCA STROKE SUBJECTS

Bandaru Rajitha*, Singam Siva Sankar, Christie Kiran Gotru

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Stroke patients have characteristic walking patterns showing long gait cycles, low walking speeds, differences in stride length between the affected side step length and the unaffected side step length, and short stance phases and relatively long swing phases on the affected side Post stroke, rehabilitation efforts place little emphasis on walking adaptability (backward walking) and instead focus on forward steady-state walking (i.e. Walking uninterrupted in a straight line on a flat surface). Given the mobility challenges experienced by adult’s post-stroke, greater attention to walking adaptability is needed. Hence, study focuses on efficacy of Forward Walking versus Backward walking on Balance and mobility Post MCA–Stroke patients. Methods: 30 subjects having difficulty in maintain balance and walking and who have full filled with the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into Group A and B with 15 subjects in each group. Group A subjects are treated with Forward Walking regime and Group B subjects are treated with Backward Walking regime for 6 weeks. The outcome of this intervention was measured with Functional Independent Measure and Berg Balance Scale, these recorded before and after the session of 6 weeks of intervention. Results: Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the scores from FIM and BBS analysis of the pre score and post score intervention shows a significant improvement in Backward Group (Group B) compared to Forward Walking Group (Group A) by using Paired t test analysis. Conclusion: Finally, the study concluded that 6 weeks of training program with backward regime exercises has shown better improvement in maintain the balance and walking ability in the MCA stroke individuals by using FIM and BBS measurement.

Keywords: MCA Stroke, Forward and Backward Walking, Balance, Gait.